A spokesman for Dell was even more blunt in comments made to
ZDNET
UK. "We know exactly why there was a problem. Sony had
contaminated its cells in the manufacturing process. The batteries were
contaminated and were no good no matter what you did with them. We know the
batteries, under rare circumstances, catch fire, (which is why we recalled
them)," said the spokesman.

A representative for Sony countered by saying
that the full blame should not rest on its shoulders. "It is the
configuration. We use the same batteries in our Vaios, and have our own
safeguards against potential overheating. Other manufacturers which use the
same cells haven't come forward with any issues," stated a Sony
representative.